MORGANTOWN, W. Va. (AP) – West Virginia coach Bob Huggins has one of the most productive rebound tandems in the country, and if team shooting accuracy and ball handling can improve, climbers in 15th place would possibly be in a position to improve. fight for an elusive Big 12 Championship.
Sophomore Oscar Tshiebwe and third-year student Derek Culver return. However, mastering glass can mean that climbers’ own blows do not fall, which was a challenge a year ago.
West Virginia was 11-1 to begin the season, then struggled to reach its goal in the league game and was 9-9 before the pandemic stopped school basketball to enter the league tournament.
West Virginia hasn’t had a scorer since Jevon Carter three years ago, letting Huggins use a basket-per-committee approach. Tshiebwe and Culver were the players who scored a double-digit average for the season.
The pair combined for 18 rebounds consistent with the game and placed and fifth, respectively, in the league.
They were also for a quarter of West Virginia’s turnover.
“I think it happens faster than they could, ” said Huggins. “It’s a very fine line. You need them to go crazy to bounce, protect and do those things. And then we have to slow down on the offensive end. “
Mountaineers threw 50% off the floor only 4 times a year ago. They were the worst in the Big 12 in a range of 3 points, making 29% of their attempts.
Huggins is sure the statistics will improve. He said he would put baseman Sean McNeil, who led the team with 29 targets to three tracks a year ago, at a shooting festival opposite the country.
“We have guys who can make shots, ” said Huggins. ” I’d be completely surprised if we hadn’t had a year throwing the ball past the arch. “
Huggins also noted that there was a game opposed to Oklahoma when the Mountaineers missed nearly two dozen shots within four feet of the basket.
“Obviously, we can’t do that either,” he said.
Some things to know about Mountaineers:
JOIN THE INITIATORS
The only vacant position to start will likely pass to the current escort Miles “Deuce” McBride, who has scored twice in 16 games. Senior escort Taz Sherman may have an occasional start as opposed to smaller lists. They have combined for six goals, starters and are among the nine returning players who have recorded at least thirteen minutes consistent with the game.
“It allows competitive practices,” McBride said. ” Everybody’s moving on. This is where you can prove you’re meant to save time on internships. It’s definitely a credit because it shows how you can’t take off a game. “»
Replacements
West Virginia lost a quarter of its scoring with the departures of striker Jermaine Haley, baseman Chase Harler and two others. Newcomers include Jalen Bridges, a freshman in a 6-7 red blouse, and Isaiah Cottrell, a 6-7. 10 freshman.
assemble
Huggins begins the season with 881 career training victories, 4 Roy Williams of North Carolina. A forged season can take them beyond the 902 victories of Bob Knight, who is third on the Division I career training list. Jim Boeheim of Syracuse is the time in 964 and Duke’s Mike Krzyzewski is first at 1,157.
RESTRICTIONS ON COVID-19
West Virginia is limiting participation in house games to 3,000 fans, or approximately 20% of the stadium’s capacity, due to the coronavirus pandemic. Fans should wear a mask when eating and drinking. Tickets will be distributed via smartphones to avoid handling. Workers’ security corps at the door.
program
West Virginia, which is determined to finish third in the Baylor and Kansas Big 12, opens the season on November 25 against Texas A
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